It's the summer of love, and heavy music is alive and well. We can live in hope that the veterans of rock will continue to deliver the goods. Nonpoint, the foursome from Miami are back with their new offering, Recoil. Certainly not oldsters, their spot on the scene has been noticeable with a killer debut and a slot in the 2001 Ozzfest lineup.

“The Same” is an explosive opener, which melds Robb Rivera's and KB's blistering drum/bass rhythm work. Lots of attitude in this one, but these guys bleed attitude. “White breaded bitches” is said with a deadpan tone before Track 5 starts. Entitled “Rabia,” which means rage in Spanish, -- this song shreds. Great guitar work. It's one that took a couple listens, however. The song will make the mellow person aggro. Especially if white breaded bitches come to mind (joke?). I thought for a minute that if I heard “Rabia” while a kid was trapped under the wheels of a Yukon, I would pick the SUV up over my head and run to a parking lot while “Yo soy de ultima, maxima ...” played on. Then I would see if the kid was alright, of course. I can hear it in my head now. Stuck song syndrome. Better than “La Vida Loca,” Ricky.

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“Done It Anyway” rocks hard. Crunchy power chords, mean vocals from Elias and Andrew. Angry, emotionally charged, and inspiring. “Past It All” is where the band really puts it all together. Lyrically and vocally it is beautiful. A good lovin' gone bad type of song. It seems like this could be a single that would be chart worthy.

Recoil is weak when and if compared to Statement, but there are exceptional tracks on the record. “The Side With the Guns” is one example. Their rendition of “In The Air Tonight” wouldn't do Phil Collins too proud. Maybe that wasn't their intention. Trying to give it a fair hearing after a couple plays, I have decided to never listen to that track again. Ever. Please consider that with thirteen tracks and just one real dud, that ain't bad. So listen, make sure to play the dud, and decide for yourself.